Thursday, January 25, 2018

First Look: Green (Love in Color)

 Synopsis
Green. The color of hope.
ANNA MARI is living for today, not daring to hope for tomorrow. She’s a pawn in her grandfather’s game, and time is her enemy. Her freedom is the prize.
 DAVIS COOPER is licking his wounds of betrayal when he’s assigned to babysit his boss’s sister. The pretty little thing who’s most definitely off-limits.
Though they struggle to set boundaries, the root of their friendship grows into something more. But none of that matters – Anna’s fate is sealed and neither hope nor love can save her.  


GREEN Excerpt
Copyright © 2018 S.M. West

It’s the sway of her hips and mass of dark curls that catch my eye. She’s dancing at the bar while sipping a drink and leaning into some guy who is all over her. His hands bracket her waist, slowly inching down the curve of her ass.
She’s mine to protect. I charge like a bull, hot and agitated, yanking her out of his arms. Her drink spills over the guy’s shirt.
“Hey!” he yells, flicking liquid off his hands.
Anna whips her head to me, eyNs wide and mouth open. “What are you…”
I lean in close and whisper, my tone thick, heavy and derisive. “This sex kitten act isn’t working for you, little girl. Stop making a fool of yourself.” I’m a damned liar, but I don’t intend to give that any thought right now.
“Get lost.” Her angry gaze lights into me, and she pivots toward the guy who is ready to take me on.
I grab her arm, wrapping her in an embrace while she tries to wriggle free. “We’re leaving.”
“Get your hands off her, asshole,” drunk college boy slurs, wobbling toward me.
“No, I’m not.” Her eyes narrow into a glower. “Leave if you want to. Let me go.”
“You heard the lady, let her go." The guy looks at her with a stupid face that he probably thinks is endearing. Instead, he's a jackass with puckered lips and crossed-eyes. “Hey baby, you okay?”
He paws her clumsily, and my patience snaps. “You touch her again, and you’ll lose your arm.”
He falters for a second, glancing down at my arms firmly banded around her and then back at me.
“Hey, man.” He raises his hands as if he’s staring down the barrel of a gun. “No disrespect, I didn’t know she was yours.”
“I’m not,” she grinds out, jabbing her elbow in my side.
I flinch but keep my hold on her and she releases a frustrated groan. The guy doesn’t give either of us a second look. He’s gone.
“Let me go,” she hisses. Ignoring her, I text Tango and Tommie to meet us out back.
Within minutes, I’m thrusting her into Tango’s arms and ordering them to take her home.
“Do not leave,” I stress, and Tango nods obediently.
Anna is fuming. Livid. Her nostrils flare and lips are tight while her eyes blaze. If looks could kill, I might be sucking in dirt. But I’ve gotta admit, hot and bothered looks good on her.
While completely uncalled for, I wink and flash my sexy grin– the one that has women falling at my feet–before turning my back on her. As I walk into the club, she curses a blue streak, and I laugh. My cock twitches, turned on by her spunk. Down boy, this is Anna. Off-limits no matter how tempting.


About S.M. West

S.M. West writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and whatever her heart desires. She spends most of her time juggling a day job, being a mom, wife, and writing. She's a self-professed junkie of many things, including a voracious fan of music, a born wanderer, a wine aficionado and chocolate connoisseur.


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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Blog Tour: Saving the Sheriff



Meet the Author:


Award-winning contemporary romance author, Kadie Scott, grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

No matter the genre, she loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
 

About the Book:


 There’s a storm brewin’…

The day his wife died, Sheriff Cash Hill discovered she was leaving him for another man, one she’d loved since before their marriage. How could the single dad ever trust another woman again? But when Georgia’s best friend, Holly, comes back to town, something about Holly’s sweet, sassy vulnerability has his protective instincts kicking in hard.

Holly Jensen left La Colina, Texas with regrets. She’s returned home to work as the new large animal vet and to watch over her best friend’s daughter. But Holly’s knowledge of Georgia’s past could rip a family apart. And she’s reluctant to go to the sexy…and single…sheriff, as he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her.

Both are faced with a choice…stay locked in the past or allow their reservations to be silenced by a passion hotter than Texas summer nights. Can they learn to trust their own hearts and each other?


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An Excerpt 
From the little he’d seen, Holly took care of everyone around her, but who took care of Holly? Realization struck that she had no one.

He knew that feeling. Despite having close family to back him up, Cash had felt never felt so alone. The thought of Holly experiencing that too didn’t sit well with him.

Cash did the only thing he could think of. He reached out and laid his hand on her cheek. Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t pull away.

“You can talk to me, Holly. If you ever need anything. Okay?”

Silently, she nodded.

He should have pulled his hand away. Should have led her back inside. But he didn’t. Couldn’t.

The feelings that’d been building all night, hell since she’d come back to town, demanded action. As if compelled, he brushed the pad of his thumb over her high cheekbone and registered the silky-smooth texture of her skin, the warmth. He dropped his gaze to the lush curves of her lips, which were slightly parted. Needing to see her eyes, he moved his hand and tipped her chin up.

Slowly, giving her enough time to pull away or say no, he lowered his head toward her. So softly it was barely a whisper of a touch, he brushed his lips over hers.

Her small intake of breath made him shudder. “Cash,” she sighed.

Giveaway:

  • Kindle Fire 7
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Release Tour: Donnach's Daughter

DONNACH'S DAUGHTER
The Clan MacLaren series, Book 2
by Nancy Pennick

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Release Blast: It Started With a Whisper





Title: It Started with a Whisper: A Historical Romance Collection
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Format: Digital


Rumors, gossip, and secrets all have a way of unraveling at the worst possible time. Follow each story as it leads you through a path of mystery and intrigue. Lady X's gossip sheet tells all and it leaves everybody talking. The rumors have the potential to ruin lives and with each whisper a new scandal arises.

Will those who find themselves the subject of her scandal sheet escape unscathed and discover who Lady X is along the way?

One Moonlit Tryst by Amanda Mariel 
Lady Tabitha Pemberton wants nothing more than to enjoy her first season without becoming attached, but when Lady X writes of a forbidden tryst between Tabitha and Colin Brooks, the earl of Harcourt, everything changes. Now Tabitha must choose between her reputation and her desire to remain unattached.

Love Me, Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe 
Lord Tensford has an old title and an empty purse. He knew it would be difficult to find a Society bride, but after Lady X heeds baseless rumor and brands him Lord Terror, it's next to impossible.
Until he comes to the aid of Lady Hope Brightley, causing Lady X to re-dub him Lord Tender.
Now he's a laughing stock and a fortune hunter. But Lady Hope means to repay him and help him find a bride. In the end, will she turn him over to the perfect mate? Or ask him to . . . Love Me, Lord Tender?

The Lady Loves a Scandal by Christina McKnight 
Many years ago, Gideon Lyndon, Viscount Galway, made a grave mistake. On the verge of rectifying this misdeed, he finds himself faced with his greatest challenge yet: winning back the woman he has loved since the moment he met her. But after a year of silence, convincing his headstrong paramour Sybil Anson to take him back will not be easy. Especially since he can't even explain why he left--not if he wants to keep her safe.

The Scandalous Widow by Erica Monroe
Bow Street Runner Gabriel Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to forget about smart, beautiful Lady Jemma Forster, Countess of Wolverston, who broke his heart when she married his best friend. Her husband's death thrusts Gabriel and Jemma back together, as they work to find his murderer. Their investigation takes them into the darkest, most dangerous parts of London. They're perfect partners for solving crimes, but can they be partners in love too?

How to Land an Earl in Ten Days or Less by Ava Stone
Known for his silver tongue, Reese Delacy, the Earl of Darling, wagers that he can make any girl fall in love with him in less than a fortnight. Unfortunately, the boast catches the ear and subsequently the pen of a notorious gossip columnist, making Reese a pariah in short order. He seems doomed for failure until he meets a Bermudian beauty who is seemingly unaware of the scandal.
With control of the Caribbean salt trade hanging in the balance, Miss Cara Beckett, left her home to solicit the support of parliament, never imagining she'd become embroiled in a reckless wager.

A Lady Hoyden's
 Secret by Dawn Brower
Lady Helena Carter has a secret. She dare not reveal it and court her own ruin--or incur the wrath of Lady X. Oliver Hunt, the Marquess of Dashville has problems of his own regarding the Lady of Whispers, and only Lady Helena can help him. As they cross paths, desire sparks between them. Their budding romance is tested as secrets are uncovered, and the revelations will either bring them closer together or tear them apart forever.
Available at: Amazon ... B&N ... Kobo ... iTunes

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Thursday, January 18, 2018

RWB: Return of the Lycan King (book 1- Nicholas and Kristen)



The Blurb
One life, one mate. Nicholas Konstantine has been waiting over a thousand years for his mate. But when he finds her, she's completely unaware of her Lycan biology, and she's battling her own personal demons.

Kristen O'Connor is a recovering addict, with some major trust issues. By not letting anyone get close, she won't get hurt. Yet after one meetiing with Nicholas, her walls are crumbling, and she wants more with this man.

But Nicholas reveals his Lycan side, and hers as well. In addition, ghosts from both of their pasts come back to haunt them. Will they face everything together, or will Kristen's fears be stronger than her love?




An Excerpt
"No."  Repeating the word over and over, as if that would negate the reality, Kristen walked to the bathroom and turned on the lights. The fluorescent bulbs weren't needed to highlight what was there.  Her pupils were, indeed, a deep yellow.  The color was framed by her thickened eyebrows.  She swung her hair around and...dear God.  Her hair was at least a foot longer than it had been that very morning.  Her fingers shook as she held a thick section of red hair.
All she saw were the claws.
The scream was primal and Kristen sobbed as she sank to the floor.  Nicholas was there instantly, wrapping his arms around her.
"What is happening to me?"
He rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back in circular motions.  "Your body is going through a change."
"No shit, Nicholas.  But why me?  God almighty, I'm waving the freak flag high enough as it is.  Now I'm part animal?"  She held her arms in front of her face.  "I've got fucking claws!"
"I know, beautiful.  I've seen them."
"Don't!"
"Don't what?"
"Call me beautiful.  I'm anything but."
"You're incredibly beautiful.  Even now, with all the things that are disturbing you so badly."
"They aren't disturbing to you?  You spent the night fucking a Lycan, werewolf, whatever and you're perfectly calm."  The sobs slowed as she turned to look at him.  "Why is that, Nicholas?"
"Because," he said as he held out his hand.  Kristen gasped as claws extended from his finger tips.  "I'm a Lycan too."

Copyright © 2018 Return of the Lycan King: Book 1 Nicholas and Kristen by Candace Blackburn




About the Author 
Candace makes her home in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband and their two sons.  She's an indie author who has published two previous romances (with a bit of fantasy in each), Tristan's Redemption and Nate's Forgiveness.  Her current works are all paranormal romance (her favorite genre to read!) and are set in her home state.  She loves coffee, cold weather, the Boston Red Sox, the Carolina Panthers, and hearing from fans.






Candace is offering one lucky winner a Sterling Silver Bracelet with a Citrine Charm and a second lucky winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Release Blitz: #Starstruck



Title: #Starstruck (#Lovestruck, #1) 
Author: Sariah Wilson 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic comedy 
Release Date: January 16, 2018 
Cover Designer: Micheal Rehder 


With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultrahot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.
Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…
When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?



“You must be Zoe Miller. I’m Chase. Covington.” He added on his last name like I wouldn’t know who he was. It was kind of endearing. I stared at his hand until the girl on my right nudged me and I gave him mine. A zap of raw electricity sparked at his touch, his hand warm and strong and big. It shot up my arm and spread all throughout my body making every part of me tingle. “Hi Chase Covington.” I don’t know how I was able to form words. Or how I hadn’t dissolved into an incoherent, blubbering pile of Zoe goo. “Hi Zoe Miller.” We were still shaking hands, which was basically holding hands at this point as it had gone on for so long. He was just grinning at me, like I was some long-lost friend he was excited to catch up with. I didn’t want to imagine what my slack-jawed, overwhelmed face looked like. He would probably think I was an idiot. A guy with dark brown hair and wearing a Bluetooth device in one ear came over. “Chase, Marty wants a word.” Chase finally let go of my hand. “Thanks, One-F. Stick around Zoe Miller. There’s more to say.” He walked backwards a few steps, like he didn’t want to stop looking at me. With a wink he finally turned and headed over to the director.
 



     


Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters--which is why she writes romance. She has published many happily ever after stories. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).






Sunday, January 14, 2018

Sunday Post # 9: Just a Recap 4

My first Sunday Post of 2018 is only a recap.

Post Rewind
📌 1st = Blitz: Bayside's Most Unexpected Bride
📌 3rd = Promo Tour: R. Murphy
📌 5th = Romance Between the Pages' Weekly Podcast Interview
📌 6th = Review: Take Two
📌 9th = [double post day] Blog Tour: The Duke of Ice ... VBT: In the Heat of the Tropics

Moolt Cartoon of the Week
No cartoon this week


"Heads Up" - Posts for the New Week
🔼15th = Release Tour: Lady of Steel
🔼16th = Release Blitz: #Starstruck


Goodreads Shelves
📚 Take Two (by: Tracy Haden) moved to "read" shelf
📚A Good Debutante's Guide to Run (by Sophie Jordan) added to "want to read" shelf
📚Blame it on the Duke (by Lenora bell) added to "want to read" shelf


***The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @
Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

VBT: In the Heat of the Tropics


In the Heat of the Tropics
by Christina Elliott

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Amid a sweltering Miami summer, a serial killer is haunting the city. Reporter Ingrid Sorenson is assigned the story and her primary source is brusque detective Rick Gonzalez. The pair clash, but sparks of passion ignite. They risk their jobs to give in to their desire, but mistrust of each other’s career motives wedges them apart. Then Ingrid gets a tip that leads her into the killer’s lair. She and Rick must choose between saving themselves or rescuing their love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt

The sky darkened again as if a dimmer switch had been thrown. Rick flicked on the headlights. “I don’t think we’re going to beat the rain,” he said. “Do you want to turn back?”

Worry crossed her face. “No way. I’ve got a deadline to meet,” she said. “I’m not afraid of getting wet.”

He gave her an assessing glance as they pulled up to a stop light. She was plucky, he had to give her that. And smart. The light changed and he turned his attention to the road. He had to keep his guard up. She was a reporter, first and foremost. He had to remember that.

“Have you found witnesses who might’ve seen a suspect?” she asked.

“I can’t discuss specifics of the investigation. The killer chose his times and locations very carefully, which suggests a lot of pre-meditation. These weren’t spontaneous homicides. He went to different areas known for prostitution pickups each time because johns would be scared to go to the place where one had just been murdered and the hookers would be on the alert, but they were all in this general North Miami area. He staked out lonely streets to direct the customer to drive to commit the sexual act and likely had his vehicle parked nearby to make a fast escape.”

Ingrid was avidly taking notes. He paused to wait for her to catch up, and wondered if he was saying too much. As long as he focused on details about the killer that someone would recognize, he couldn’t get in trouble.

By the time he pulled up to the scene of the third killing a mile away, fat plops of rain were sporadically splattering the windshield. They soon increased to a steady drumbeat battering the roof.  

“Crap,” Ingrid said.

“There’s not much to see, honestly, just another side street.”

“I still think I should see the actual spot,” Ingrid said.

He would have to end up with a super-thorough reporter. “I have an umbrella here somewhere,” he muttered, foraging under the seat.

Holding the umbrella, he jogged to the passenger side and opened the door. Necessarily brushing shoulders to fit side-by-side under the small shelter, they walked down the street to an alcove of an abandoned building.

“Victim three was found parked outside this doorway, Saul Martinez,” Rick said.

The sky cracked as if it were splitting apart, unleashing a torrent of water.

“I love these midsummer thunderstorms in Miami, don’t you?” Ingrid said.

Lightning illuminated her face with a bright halo.  Her cheeks shone where the rain had caught them, her forehead framed with tendrils of damp hair. Drops glistened on her eyelashes like tiny tears. He felt himself gliding toward her.

She blinked and the raindrops fell from her lashes. He halted himself.
“You’re getting wet. Let’s head to victim four,” he said brusquely. He turned toward the car without waiting for an answer.

The crime scene was a side street ten blocks west. This time they didn’t get out of the car. Rick pulled up and reconstructed the scene, restraining his urge to lean over her, just to breathe in her slightly sweet powdery scent, as he pointed from the window.  

By the time they pulled back into the station parking lot, the rain had tapered to a dancing sprinkle and fingers of sunlight poked through the clouds, sending an eerie, hazy wash over the atmosphere.

He parked. Ingrid handed him her business card. “If you think of anything else, call me. My cell’s on there, too.”

Rick tucked it in a pocket. “So, what are you going to write?”

“What you told me, plus I’ll call some serial-killer psychology experts.”

“Just don’t get me in trouble again.”

Ingrid gave him a hard look. He’d meant it as a joke, but it hadn’t come out lightheartedly. She’d taken it as a rebuke. Damn.

“Thanks very much for your time, Detective.” Her tone was frosty. “If I have any other questions, I’ll call Major Montoya.”  

The slam of the door buffeted the vehicle



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Christina Elliott is a former Miami newspaper reporter and editor. She now writes spicy romantic suspense novels from Los Angeles, where she’s glad to report there are far fewer bad-hair days but sadly far less Cuban coffee. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

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Interview with Christina Elliott

* Did you use any of your own experience as inspiration?
In the Heat of the Tropics is based in Miami where I worked as a newspaper reporter. I made my heroine, Ingrid, a reporter. Police and journalists are always clashing on big stories—the reporters want more details, the police want to limit the details they give out. So there’s natural tension there. However, reporters and police both seek the truth. So there’s a natural commonality. I thought this would make the basis for a good romance-thriller.
* On average, how long does the writing process take?
Too long! It can take a couple years. I wish I could speed it up, but other pesky little things get in the way, like writing to pay bills, keep a roof over my head and eat! So it can be an on-off thing for a while depending on my work flow. Plus, I always like to leave a manuscript sit for a bit then come back to it with a fresh eye to see what needs fixing. I generally write too much, often jettisoning at least a book’s worth of writing to get to the story I want to tell.

*  When did you realize you wanted a career in writing?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember. When I was about five-six years old, I won a little prize for “writing interesting stories.” I have no idea what I wrote at that early age, but obviously it impressed the teacher! But I’ve always been a voracious reader and that made me want to write books since I was little.

* If you weren't an author, what other career paths would you have taken?

I’d be a comedic actor. I took some acting classes and not only found them hugely therapeutic, but also discovered that I have a knack for comedy. I find being zany and way out. It’s really a huge release! It’s weird because I love reading, writing and watching drama, but when I act, it’s goofy comedy all the way!

* Out of the characters that you created, who is your favorite?
In In the Heat of the Tropics, I actually really like the killer, Tucker. I gave him a compelling backstory about his mother not only to create some sympathy but also to fuel the motivation for his homicidal urge. I also like Rick’s story. His mother was a refugee from Cuba, who crossed the Florida Strait in a rickety boat when she was pregnant. After a storm destroyed the boat, she washed up on a Florida beach and gave birth with the aid of a policeman named Richard, and that’s who Rick was named after. I have fun creating backstories!

* What advice would you give to someone looking to be a writer?

Don’t give up! Persevere in the face of rejection. Dig deep within yourself to find the wherewithal to keep going, and don’t listen to naysayers! Get used to criticism but surround yourself with positive, supportive people, and keep writing. The more you write, the better you will get.

* What kind of research (if any) was required for any of your books?
I love research. To me it’s one of the fun parts of writing novels.
Since I worked as a print journalist, I had Ingrid’s character covered. I had to do more research on both serial killers and police procedures. Luckily, I’m fascinated by forensic psychology so over the years I’ve gathered a lot of general knowledge about people who are compelled to kill. I was able to draw on that to mould the character of Tucker. As for police, I covered plenty of cops, crime and courts stories over the course of my career. I’ve also dated two cops (!) and took a citizens police course that was offered by my local police department. I also lived in Miami for five years so I knew the area quite well.

*How long after you finish a book do you start another one?

I’ve got a number of unfinished projects stored in the proverbial desk drawer so I pull one of those out and see what I can do with it, usually quite quickly after completing a book. Finishing a book always brings on a strange feeling. I’ve usually worked on it for so long, I feel at a loss when it’s no longer part of my life. Plus, it’s going from the fun part—revising and polishing—back to the dreaded first draught stage again and I know all the hard work that lies ahead of me. Yuk!

The Giveaway 
Christina Elliott will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Blog Tour: The Duke of Ice


Synopsis

Everyone Nicholas Bateman ever loved has died. Except Violet Caulfield, which must mean he never loved her. Eight years after she threw him over to marry a viscount, Nick is a widowed duke who prefers isolation. When a friend convinces him to leave his lair of self-imposed solitude, he considers taking another wife, provided she agrees to his terms: no emotional attachment of any kind.

Now widowed, Lady Violet Pendleton hopes for a second chance with the man she’s always loved. But she isn’t prepared for the desolation in his soul or the animosity he still bears toward her. Despite those obstacles, it’s clear their passion hasn’t dimmed. However, the heat between them isn’t enough to melt the Duke of Ice, and this time Violet may find herself the jilted party. Can love, once so tragically lost, finally be found?


Excerpt:

“Looks like it’s you and Lady Pendleton,” Simon said. His voice carried a hint of something.
Nick snapped his head toward his friend and detected the glimmer of a smile in his gaze. He was enjoying this. He was playing matchmaker. And he had his sights set on Nick and Violet. Bloody hell.
Nick wanted to be angry, but his pull toward Violet was too strong. He’d felt it last night and again today when Simon had asked if it would be odd for him to pursue her. Nick had been jealous. Shockingly, blood-boilingly, desperately jealous.
The realization shook him to the core.
“Who’s to be the crier?” Simon asked.
“Why not Mr. Adair since he won Kiss the Nun?” Seaver suggested.
With everyone in agreement, Violet and Nick moved to the center of the room.
“Is this awkward?” she whispered.
“No.” His pulse quickened. Should he kiss her or should he fail?
His mind screamed the latter. And really, that was for the best. Jealousy aside, he and Violet had no future, not when their past was so painful.
And yet when they knelt with their backs to each other, he caught her scent of rose and an earthy spice. It was wholly feminine yet slightly wild. He hadn’t smelled a rose in the past eight years without thinking of her. His body reacted, heating at her proximity.
“Make ready,” Adair said.
Nick looked over his right shoulder and felt the air move as she looked over her left.
“Present.”
Nick leaned close to her cheek. He could feel her warmth, and his skin tingled.
Fire.”
He moved closer, but she sprang up. Instinctively, he reached for her, his arm curling about her waist. He pulled her back down. To stop her from hitting the floor, he spun to his back and sprawled, bringing her down on top of him. He cupped the side of her face and kissed her, his lips sliding over hers for a brief but delicious moment.
“The cheek,” she murmured, her gaze locked with his.
He leaned up and brushed his mouth against the soft flesh of her cheek. His lips lingered perhaps a second too long, but he didn’t care. Desire coursed through him, and for the first time in years, he felt alive.


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My Review
This is the seventh book of the untouchables series. Out of the five that I read, the Duke of Ice may possibly be my favorite. 


I first decided to read it because of the blurb. Like I expected, it contained my favorite trope. That trope is the main male character denying any emotion or relationship due to great loss.

It is a major bonus when the main female character wants to be the one to make him happy.

It is because of (fictional) men like Nick that I find myself attracted to broken characters.

Rating: 😃😃😃😃😃



About Darcy:
Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit.
Connect with Darcy: